Russia leather

American  

noun

1. a fine, smooth leather produced by careful tanning and dyeing, especially in dark red: originally prepared in Russia.

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Russia leather British  

noun

1. a smooth dyed leather made from calfskin and scented with birch tar oil, originally produced in Russia

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Etymology

Origin of Russia leather

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

Conspicuous upon it was lying a letter-case of Russia leather.

From The Shooting of Dan McGrew, A Novel Based on the Famous Poem of Robert Service by Dana, Marvin Hill

She held a square Russia leather case, in corn-flower blue.

From A Duel by Marsh, Richard

It was an ordinary eighteen-inch Russia leather traveling-bag, tan in color, and with gold-plated mountings.

From The Window at the White Cat by Rinehart, Mary Roberts

She was followed by a redcap carrying a lovely little Russia leather bag.

From Abroad at Home American Ramblings, Observations, and Adventures of Julian Street by Street, Julian

Mr. Stanhope knows that clippings of Russia leather and cedar-shavings will keep the little creatures off our shawls and muffs, and why should not the pretty things live and be happy?'

From Forgotten Tales of Long Ago by Bedford, F. D.